Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 70

Raziyya became the sultan in 1236.She was the daughter of-

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline and the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: B) Iltutmish

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th century to the mid-16th century. It was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad Ghori, and was initially ruled by the Mamluk dynasty, also known as the Slave dynasty. The Mamluk dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and was succeeded by several rulers, including Iltutmish, who was a significant figure in the early history of the Delhi Sultanate.

Iltutmish, whose full name was Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, was the fifth ruler of the Mamluk dynasty and reigned from 1211 to 1236. He was a powerful and capable ruler who expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate and established a strong administrative system. Iltutmish was also known for his patronage of architecture, including the construction of the Qutb Minar and the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi.

Raziyya, also known as Razia Sultana, was the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She was the daughter of Iltutmish and was born in 1205. Raziyya was known for her intelligence and administrative skills, and she was the first and only woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate. She ruled from 1236 to 1240, after the death of her father Iltutmish. Despite her capable rule, she faced significant opposition from the nobility and was eventually deposed and killed.

Understanding the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate and the rulers of the Mamluk dynasty is crucial for correctly identifying the father of Raziyya. The Mamluk dynasty was a significant period in Indian history, and Iltutmish was a key figure who laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate. His daughter, Raziyya, although ruling for a short period, remains a notable figure in Indian history due to her unique position as a female ruler in a male-dominated era.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Alauddin was not Raziyya's father. He was a later ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, known for his military conquests and administrative reforms.
  • Option B: Correct. Raziyya was the daughter of Iltutmish, who was the fifth ruler of the Mamluk dynasty and laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Khizr Khan was a later ruler who established the Sayyid dynasty after the Tughlaq dynasty. He was not related to Raziyya.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Sher Shah Suri was a ruler of the Sur dynasty, which came much later in the 16th century. He was not related to Raziyya.

Mnemonic: Remember "Raziyya's father was Iltutmish" as "R-I".

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